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“You up for that, hm, Ash? A lesson from an old soul to youth? From me… to you?”
Ash Thomas and his gameplay with other men is vicious, cruel. Better to fuck someone over than be the one who’s on the floor, fucked up, right? But his latest cruelties are about to catch the eye of the Wraith, someone who’s been brought up to play professionally in the shadows. For Ash, beauty and rage aren’t the kind of sins to win him any favours anymore. Life and lessons of the heart never did come easy, especially when they’re about to walk in off the darkened streets, bringing bloodied footprints in their wake. (M/M)
Ash Thomas and his gameplay with other men is vicious, cruel. Better to fuck someone over than be the one who’s on the floor, fucked up, right? But his latest cruelties are about to catch the eye of the Wraith, someone who’s been brought up to play professionally in the shadows. For Ash, beauty and rage aren’t the kind of sins to win him any favours anymore. Life and lessons of the heart never did come easy, especially when they’re about to walk in off the darkened streets, bringing bloodied footprints in their wake. (M/M)
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2018
13 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Jack L. Pyke
21 books681 followersJack blames her dark writing influences on living close to one of England’s finest forests. Having grown up hearing a history of kidnappings, murders, strange sightings, and sexual exploits her neck of the woods is renowned for, Jack takes that into her writing, having also learned that human coping strategies for intense situations can sometimes make the best of people have disastrously bad moments. Redeeming those flaws is Jack’s drive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 5, 2018
I’m caught somewhere between stunned speechless and flying a hundred miles an hour. Ash, the latest installment in Jack L. Pyke’s Don’t... series, completely blew my mind. As fans of the this series are well aware - expect everything - and you won’t be disappointed. This one has it all with complex, multi-layered characters, a deeply twisted mystery, and a little hot, dirty sex; all wrapped up in Pyke’s unique and eloquent prose. Ash is a rush!
Don’t even think of picking this one up unless you’ve read the other books in this series. While this story could stand alone and the characters in Ash are new, it is still part of the Don’t... world. In the Author’s Note we are promised this story segues into the next novel, Don’t... 5: Psychopaths & Sinners, which picks up where we left off with Jan, Gray, and not Jack but Martin (YAY Martin!). Pike explains that the characters and the story in Ash are woven into the next two novels and promises it to be a dark and exciting ride.
One of my favorite aspects of the Don’t... series are the dark psychological twists and turns it takes. The characters skirt the border between reality and whatever damage is going on in their heads, and when they interact the result is messy and downright scary as hell. There’s no way of knowing how it’s going to come back into play and impact the story, but you can bet it will.
Jack L. Pyke delves deep into the psyche of these characters, making them so human. It’s chilling how even the most remorseless and sadistic bastards from this series have something to redeem them. The darkness obvious on the surface blurs with fractured moments of compassion; or a glimpse of a tender memory gives us something we can relate to, in even the most twisted character.
Primarily the story of Ash, this young man has a rough life. With no prospects for the future and some very dark memories from the past, the person he shows the world is hard and angry. He’s learned to be cynical and he even dwells on it, “The fuck over always came, especially from good men.” The hurt and disillusionment comes through loud and clear, so Ash grabs his pleasure where and when he can, consequences be damned.
I found the character of Raif so intriguing. His need to serve, to care for and fix people, is so much a part of who he is it’s no surprise he’s drawn to Ash’s damage. We get a few hints about Raif’s lifestyle and it raises intriguing possibilities in the future for these two, but for now Raif is closing off that part of himself to Ash. I’m going to enjoy finding out why they met, after all there’s no such thing as a coincidence in a Jack L. Pyke novel.
There are so many possibilities for what’s coming up next for these guys I hated for Ash, the book, to end. I can’t wait to see how Jack L. Pyke weaves this story into what’s going on with the rest of the characters from this series. I don’t know how I’m going to make it till the release of Don’t... 5, it can’t get here quick enough!
Don’t even think of picking this one up unless you’ve read the other books in this series. While this story could stand alone and the characters in Ash are new, it is still part of the Don’t... world. In the Author’s Note we are promised this story segues into the next novel, Don’t... 5: Psychopaths & Sinners, which picks up where we left off with Jan, Gray, and not Jack but Martin (YAY Martin!). Pike explains that the characters and the story in Ash are woven into the next two novels and promises it to be a dark and exciting ride.
One of my favorite aspects of the Don’t... series are the dark psychological twists and turns it takes. The characters skirt the border between reality and whatever damage is going on in their heads, and when they interact the result is messy and downright scary as hell. There’s no way of knowing how it’s going to come back into play and impact the story, but you can bet it will.
Jack L. Pyke delves deep into the psyche of these characters, making them so human. It’s chilling how even the most remorseless and sadistic bastards from this series have something to redeem them. The darkness obvious on the surface blurs with fractured moments of compassion; or a glimpse of a tender memory gives us something we can relate to, in even the most twisted character.
Primarily the story of Ash, this young man has a rough life. With no prospects for the future and some very dark memories from the past, the person he shows the world is hard and angry. He’s learned to be cynical and he even dwells on it, “The fuck over always came, especially from good men.” The hurt and disillusionment comes through loud and clear, so Ash grabs his pleasure where and when he can, consequences be damned.
I found the character of Raif so intriguing. His need to serve, to care for and fix people, is so much a part of who he is it’s no surprise he’s drawn to Ash’s damage. We get a few hints about Raif’s lifestyle and it raises intriguing possibilities in the future for these two, but for now Raif is closing off that part of himself to Ash. I’m going to enjoy finding out why they met, after all there’s no such thing as a coincidence in a Jack L. Pyke novel.
There are so many possibilities for what’s coming up next for these guys I hated for Ash, the book, to end. I can’t wait to see how Jack L. Pyke weaves this story into what’s going on with the rest of the characters from this series. I don’t know how I’m going to make it till the release of Don’t... 5, it can’t get here quick enough!
my-works
October 29, 2018I'm so late doing this, but...
So, don't 4.5. Ash. It's a little different, okay a lot different in that we have two new characters. Why now, though? Well if you know the don't series, you know there's no easy cures, but everything's also mentioned for a reason in true psychological thriller style. For instance, in Don't... book 1, Jack cooks some spaghetti in a wok, and Jan questions why a wok in particular. Jack replies that it's because it's bigger, less room for spillage. Just a simple observation in the craziness of the whole of the novel. But the full impact of that isn't offered closure until the third Don't novel: Breakdown, where Jack's mother is cooking spaghetti with a young Jack. She knocks it off, spilling it on the floor, then denies Jack's OCD need to clean because, well: Real men get dirty, right? Martin starts to emerge in that moment to make sure that men really do learn how to get dirty, mostly on the heels of Gray. But as Jack ages.... he always uses a bigger wok, a bigger pan to stop those spillages, burying how real men are supposed to get dirty....
This is the same for Ash, but on much deeper levels. There are things going on Ash's life that have such a haunting butterfly effect in Gray, Jan, Jack's and Martin's lives, that although this novel doesn't have Gray and the Don't men in it, it does set in motion the beginning of the end for them.
Things really start to get under ths skin here, in more ways than one.
You don't need to have read the rest of the Don't series to understand this novel. But you do have to read Ash to understand the final steps of the Don't world.
If you want to read a little more on this, maybe see how Gray son's fits into it all, please take a nose over here:
https://forbiddenfiction.com/about-ash/
But thank you for staying with me on this!! It's gorgeous to have you sitting beside me reading, whether it's love or loathe.
So, don't 4.5. Ash. It's a little different, okay a lot different in that we have two new characters. Why now, though? Well if you know the don't series, you know there's no easy cures, but everything's also mentioned for a reason in true psychological thriller style. For instance, in Don't... book 1, Jack cooks some spaghetti in a wok, and Jan questions why a wok in particular. Jack replies that it's because it's bigger, less room for spillage. Just a simple observation in the craziness of the whole of the novel. But the full impact of that isn't offered closure until the third Don't novel: Breakdown, where Jack's mother is cooking spaghetti with a young Jack. She knocks it off, spilling it on the floor, then denies Jack's OCD need to clean because, well: Real men get dirty, right? Martin starts to emerge in that moment to make sure that men really do learn how to get dirty, mostly on the heels of Gray. But as Jack ages.... he always uses a bigger wok, a bigger pan to stop those spillages, burying how real men are supposed to get dirty....
This is the same for Ash, but on much deeper levels. There are things going on Ash's life that have such a haunting butterfly effect in Gray, Jan, Jack's and Martin's lives, that although this novel doesn't have Gray and the Don't men in it, it does set in motion the beginning of the end for them.
Things really start to get under ths skin here, in more ways than one.
You don't need to have read the rest of the Don't series to understand this novel. But you do have to read Ash to understand the final steps of the Don't world.
If you want to read a little more on this, maybe see how Gray son's fits into it all, please take a nose over here:
https://forbiddenfiction.com/about-ash/
But thank you for staying with me on this!! It's gorgeous to have you sitting beside me reading, whether it's love or loathe.
March 22, 2018
Release day review at Sinfully.
This novella is book 4.5 in the Don’t… series and an introduction to some new characters and a storyline that will play out in the next two books. If you’re looking for more of Jack, Jan and Gray’s story, you’re not going to get it here. Essentially, this book is the beginning of Don't 5, Psychopaths & Sinners (scheduled for release in May). It introduces Ash and Raif, and the novella's plot, while reaching a crescendo in the final chapters, is left to be continued.
The way the story starts reminded me so much of the way we first met Jack in Don't... going about his daily business as a mechanic. Here we have Ash going about his business as a car parts factory worker, with his two best friends from childhood, Chase and Johnny. Their antics can be cruel, but these two men appear to be the only people that ground Ash. Things with Chase are complicated. While Chase seems to bring out the cruel side of Ash, they love each other and know how to get under each other's skin to get the reaction they’re looking for. Johnny is the quieter one that covers for them. Even with all their history, Ash hasn't fully opened himself to them. Ash is "beauty and rage" but he is also caring and hurting. There is a painful past there that is only hinted at that includes the father he now takes care of.
Enter Raif. Older, bigger, not a "beauty" by most people's standards and a complete mystery. He seems to have his sights set on Ash, but for what reason? His motives and methods are confusing, but he has a way about him that speaks to Ash. Even when Ash fears him, he finds he trusts him, which isn’t something Ash gives easily; Ash knows that the "fuck over always comes". Raif is observant, seeing what Ash tries to hide and calling him on it. It took me a while to figure out Raif's intentions, even with his POV in the mix and while I eventually did get a feel for him, his motives for some of his nocturnal activities are still not clear, likely tied into a past we know nothing about yet.
If you handed me a manuscript without telling me who the author was, I could tell immediately if it was a Jack L Pyke story. She has such a unique writing style and way of telling a story. I know how things work and I’m always looking for meaning in small interactions and waiting for that "aha" moment. What you're getting here is what you would expect from the Don't... series including complex characters and relationships, an air of mystery and a plot filled with heartbreak, pain and hope. The last chapters left me aching. I have very little in the way of limits as far as my reading goes, but there are certain scenes in books that I know after the first, I will never read again because they were just too hard to get through; this includes a good part of Antidote – and now the final scenes in Ash. Jack Pyke excels at writing dark and making certain what you read will be vivid and gut-wrenching and stay in your head long after you've turned the page.
This is a bit of an odd review to write since the story is only starting. Both Ash and Raif are complicated characters, whose layers we are just beginning to peel back. Their relationship is just starting and is far from typical. This introduction will leave you with plenty of questions at the end, which will have to wait for the next installment.
Could you read this without having read the prior books? Yes. Should you read it that way? Only if you're more than willing to go back and read the rest of the series because you’re definitely going to want to continue to find out how the storyline resolves and you won't be able to jump into the continuing storyline of Gray, Jack Jan and Martin without their background. May and the next book can't get here soon enough for me.
This novella is book 4.5 in the Don’t… series and an introduction to some new characters and a storyline that will play out in the next two books. If you’re looking for more of Jack, Jan and Gray’s story, you’re not going to get it here. Essentially, this book is the beginning of Don't 5, Psychopaths & Sinners (scheduled for release in May). It introduces Ash and Raif, and the novella's plot, while reaching a crescendo in the final chapters, is left to be continued.
The way the story starts reminded me so much of the way we first met Jack in Don't... going about his daily business as a mechanic. Here we have Ash going about his business as a car parts factory worker, with his two best friends from childhood, Chase and Johnny. Their antics can be cruel, but these two men appear to be the only people that ground Ash. Things with Chase are complicated. While Chase seems to bring out the cruel side of Ash, they love each other and know how to get under each other's skin to get the reaction they’re looking for. Johnny is the quieter one that covers for them. Even with all their history, Ash hasn't fully opened himself to them. Ash is "beauty and rage" but he is also caring and hurting. There is a painful past there that is only hinted at that includes the father he now takes care of.
Enter Raif. Older, bigger, not a "beauty" by most people's standards and a complete mystery. He seems to have his sights set on Ash, but for what reason? His motives and methods are confusing, but he has a way about him that speaks to Ash. Even when Ash fears him, he finds he trusts him, which isn’t something Ash gives easily; Ash knows that the "fuck over always comes". Raif is observant, seeing what Ash tries to hide and calling him on it. It took me a while to figure out Raif's intentions, even with his POV in the mix and while I eventually did get a feel for him, his motives for some of his nocturnal activities are still not clear, likely tied into a past we know nothing about yet.
If you handed me a manuscript without telling me who the author was, I could tell immediately if it was a Jack L Pyke story. She has such a unique writing style and way of telling a story. I know how things work and I’m always looking for meaning in small interactions and waiting for that "aha" moment. What you're getting here is what you would expect from the Don't... series including complex characters and relationships, an air of mystery and a plot filled with heartbreak, pain and hope. The last chapters left me aching. I have very little in the way of limits as far as my reading goes, but there are certain scenes in books that I know after the first, I will never read again because they were just too hard to get through; this includes a good part of Antidote – and now the final scenes in Ash. Jack Pyke excels at writing dark and making certain what you read will be vivid and gut-wrenching and stay in your head long after you've turned the page.
This is a bit of an odd review to write since the story is only starting. Both Ash and Raif are complicated characters, whose layers we are just beginning to peel back. Their relationship is just starting and is far from typical. This introduction will leave you with plenty of questions at the end, which will have to wait for the next installment.
Could you read this without having read the prior books? Yes. Should you read it that way? Only if you're more than willing to go back and read the rest of the series because you’re definitely going to want to continue to find out how the storyline resolves and you won't be able to jump into the continuing storyline of Gray, Jack Jan and Martin without their background. May and the next book can't get here soon enough for me.
March 22, 2018
Well that was pretty intense ! I think I’ve finished the book with more questions than answers but I suppose that was to be expected. Raif & Ash are introduced into this series as a new twist begins. Their connection is unique - hanging by a thread really, but a growing thread it is. This is dark and quite a mind play... no spoilers here - this book was one big foreplay !
April 3, 2018
Well, I read this book and I really don't know what it was about.
I get Raif works for MI6 but I don't understand why he is out lokkjg after the little girl and why he has so much background on Ash.
I really would have liked a little more insight, as I had a WTF moment at the end.
I am wondering whether Gray is Ferryman and thats how its going to get into the Don't universe.
I guess all will become clear in future books and I have to say I hated the beginning of the book and what happened to New Kid and his boyfriend.
I get Raif works for MI6 but I don't understand why he is out lokkjg after the little girl and why he has so much background on Ash.
I really would have liked a little more insight, as I had a WTF moment at the end.
I am wondering whether Gray is Ferryman and thats how its going to get into the Don't universe.
I guess all will become clear in future books and I have to say I hated the beginning of the book and what happened to New Kid and his boyfriend.
September 4, 2020
Effin’ loved it!
May 25, 2022
Ash and his secrets
Games and more cruel games in this book. I was left with more questions than answers at the end, on to the next one. 😁
Games and more cruel games in this book. I was left with more questions than answers at the end, on to the next one. 😁
Want to read
March 4, 2018THERE'S A RELEASE DATE!
HOLYMOTHERFUCKINGSHITBALLS....
HOLYMOTHERFUCKINGSHITBALLS....
March 22, 2018
Review by The Blogger Girls.
I don’t think it is any secret how much I adore Jack’s writing. It isn’t just that she writes amazing stories, though that is a big part. I think I’m most addicted to her style and ability to weave those stories. There are so many factors involved in each one, and this is no different. Though it states this is part of the Don’t… series, you’ll have to hang on just a bit longer as a few more pieces are moved into place before we get back to the Don’t… gang.
This installment is about three friends, Ash, Johnny and Chase. Things are pretty complicated with these guys, and I’ll admit, a bit confusing at times. They all work together and are sometimes more than friends. But this centers more around Ash who definitely has a shady past, some involving his now aging father whom he takes care of. We don’t learn nearly enough about that yet to satisfy me. He has a few other issues as well, some of which end up catching the eye of Raif, an older man who seems set on teaching Ash a lesson or two. He is extremely mysterious, showing up somewhat randomly and disappearing to handle some side matters which show a different part of this story. They have a pretty unique connection which I’m sure will be played out a bit more later on.
Even though I had many questions throughout, I was confident that what seem like random pieces will all fall into place in due time, or when Jack wants us all to know. This has proven to be the case more than once, so I will be patient and wait for it all to play out. As this ties into the next few books and is left somewhat up in the air, I am more eager than ever to see the big picture and how it will all fit together.
Part of the enjoyment of these books has been trying to figure things out or to anticipate which way things will turn. I’ve gotten to the point where I would recognize the writing before knowing who the author is, but I’m pretty sure I’ll have to be content with waiting for the answers and secrets to be revealed. Here’s to hoping that never changes and we don’t have to wait too long for the next, highly anticipated, continuation of this series. You might be able to read this on its own, but once things start to mesh, you will for sure want to know the players, background and everything they have been through up til this point, so I highly recommend you start at the beginning.
March 23, 2018
I wasn't sure what to rate this book...I'm a Scorpio so I'm a little possessive, that being said, I don't know how I feel about new characters in the Don't series. When I think of Don't, it's all about Gray, Jack and Jan, I have to trust Jack at this point and see where she takes this in book #5. I do love her unique way of storytelling, I'm definitely intrigue, there were some intimate moments, but I wish there was at least one descriptive sex scene between Ash and Raif (but that's just me)...it should be an interesting ride and I am looking forward to see what happens.
April 5, 2018
Let’s clear the air up front: For fans of Jack, Jan and Gray, they don’t appear in Ash, the prequel to Don’t… 5. In Pyke’s own words they aren’t even going to be the “focus” of the upcoming Psychopaths & Sinners. Okay, okay… don’t run for the hills screaming. Those who follow the series know Jack L. Pyke’s talent has no bounds when setting up the Don’t… world. And I’m here to tell you, where these new characters are about to take this dark web of intrigue is her own special brand of mind-fuckery.
Ash was first published as the short story, Original Sin. As Pyke indicates, she wanted to bring the character Raif into the Don’t… fold and has expanded the original with updated scenes… and more! Which means this edition cannot be read as a standalone. I honestly didn’t read the first version but I must say this has everything I love from her, including the feel of just how important these characters are going to be to the overall series.
Oh, the way Pyke describes the dynamics of the play and manipulation… is eerie.
You’re either going to love or hate Ash, the person. He has to be one of Pyke’s hardest characters to get a bead on. But as each layer is revealed, you see within his hurt and you know there’s so much more to be uncovered. His escape from pain is a bond he shares with his two childhood friends, Chase and Johnny… and the games Ash and Chase play together.
Oh, the way Pyke describes the dynamics of the play and manipulation… is eerie. Even the direct and blunt way Ash and Chase speak, make eye contact – like it is the most normal thing – makes it that much more gritty. It’s bitterly sad, because even as it helps Ash burn the pain, it’s also creating more hurt for him deep down.
The arrival of Raif on scene and the dark mystery surrounding who he is, what he does, who he might be working for… and just what draws Ash to him like a moth to a flame, makes their slow-burning need for one another that much more compelling.
Pyke’s set-up of Ash’s background and his exploits also sets the stage for the brutal lover he is, priming her readers for just how much what he ultimately gives to Raif, means.
Two lost souls learning to trust. One who doesn’t run but lingers, because deep down he wants the love but fears the “fuck over” that comes from all good men. The other a man who has lost a world but sees a young heart deserving of so much he wants to give.
Everything Jack writes allows her readers inside her characters’ minds and slowly reveals the complexity of their world, their circumstances. It takes a keen reader to read between the lines of Pyke’s complex subtleties in Ash.
The building intensity between Ash and Raif is a game of mental foreplay like no other, with the anticipation and sexual tension sparking! The fact that Raif is showing Ash the respect he deserves, secretly longs for, makes it that much hotter. And when Raif says, “’This you-me bullshit. Someone needs to take the lead here,”… you know! With so few words, and some hidden meaning within the ones they do speak, you can feel the trust grow. As Ash begins to listen to his mind instead of giving his body all the control, you feel the change coming, and it’s delicious. The way Ash learns to feel, to care - surprises not only the reader, but himself.
Two lost souls learning to trust. One who doesn’t run but lingers, because deep down he wants the love but fears the “fuck over” that comes from all good men. The other a man who has lost a world but sees a young heart deserving of so much he wants to give.
With Ash, Jack L. Pyke weaves complexities and intertwines her Don’t... world as only she can. Building up an air of mystery and intrigue that leaves us wondering how Jack, Gray and Jan fit into what’s unfolding – oh, but we know they do! You can feel this troubled young man, the stranger shrouded in secret, and the mysterious murder drawing them into the fold….. And God, with an ending that leaves your heart crying for more, you hope Psychopaths & Sinners is published damn soon!
Ash was first published as the short story, Original Sin. As Pyke indicates, she wanted to bring the character Raif into the Don’t… fold and has expanded the original with updated scenes… and more! Which means this edition cannot be read as a standalone. I honestly didn’t read the first version but I must say this has everything I love from her, including the feel of just how important these characters are going to be to the overall series.
Oh, the way Pyke describes the dynamics of the play and manipulation… is eerie.
You’re either going to love or hate Ash, the person. He has to be one of Pyke’s hardest characters to get a bead on. But as each layer is revealed, you see within his hurt and you know there’s so much more to be uncovered. His escape from pain is a bond he shares with his two childhood friends, Chase and Johnny… and the games Ash and Chase play together.
Oh, the way Pyke describes the dynamics of the play and manipulation… is eerie. Even the direct and blunt way Ash and Chase speak, make eye contact – like it is the most normal thing – makes it that much more gritty. It’s bitterly sad, because even as it helps Ash burn the pain, it’s also creating more hurt for him deep down.
The arrival of Raif on scene and the dark mystery surrounding who he is, what he does, who he might be working for… and just what draws Ash to him like a moth to a flame, makes their slow-burning need for one another that much more compelling.
Pyke’s set-up of Ash’s background and his exploits also sets the stage for the brutal lover he is, priming her readers for just how much what he ultimately gives to Raif, means.
Two lost souls learning to trust. One who doesn’t run but lingers, because deep down he wants the love but fears the “fuck over” that comes from all good men. The other a man who has lost a world but sees a young heart deserving of so much he wants to give.
Everything Jack writes allows her readers inside her characters’ minds and slowly reveals the complexity of their world, their circumstances. It takes a keen reader to read between the lines of Pyke’s complex subtleties in Ash.
The building intensity between Ash and Raif is a game of mental foreplay like no other, with the anticipation and sexual tension sparking! The fact that Raif is showing Ash the respect he deserves, secretly longs for, makes it that much hotter. And when Raif says, “’This you-me bullshit. Someone needs to take the lead here,”… you know! With so few words, and some hidden meaning within the ones they do speak, you can feel the trust grow. As Ash begins to listen to his mind instead of giving his body all the control, you feel the change coming, and it’s delicious. The way Ash learns to feel, to care - surprises not only the reader, but himself.
Two lost souls learning to trust. One who doesn’t run but lingers, because deep down he wants the love but fears the “fuck over” that comes from all good men. The other a man who has lost a world but sees a young heart deserving of so much he wants to give.
With Ash, Jack L. Pyke weaves complexities and intertwines her Don’t... world as only she can. Building up an air of mystery and intrigue that leaves us wondering how Jack, Gray and Jan fit into what’s unfolding – oh, but we know they do! You can feel this troubled young man, the stranger shrouded in secret, and the mysterious murder drawing them into the fold….. And God, with an ending that leaves your heart crying for more, you hope Psychopaths & Sinners is published damn soon!
April 26, 2018
REVIEWED FOR LOVE BYTES
I started reading Ash with a small amount of trepidation. This is book 4.5 in the Don’t… series but doesn’t feature our three main stalwart characters that have already been through so much and who were left in a very difficult place at the end of Backlash. My worry was for nothing though as Ash and Raif are strong characters on their own and as always this authors writing consumed me from the first page and I was intrigued as to how these two dark and broken men would fit into the overall story arc.
Ash is the character who I came out of this loving – he is dark, sadistic, loving and broken. His personality is splintered into many parts and the past is always pushing the present as he loves and plays hard. His home life sets him up as the man he is today but an unexpected meeting with another dark man who moves within the night challenges who he is, how he lives and who he could eventually be.
Raif is equally dark and has his own demons bearing down on him but he also has a sense of what is right and he challenges and scares Ash at every turn. Their relationship from the start feels intimate on the page even though the way they meet and get to know each other is by no means normal, safe or even sane.
These two men are brought together by murder and madness and as always with Jack L Pyke the gruesome details and the horror of the story are not shied away from. There is serial murderer to be caught and stopped and not everyone in the story makes it to the end. Then there is the big question of how this book and these new characters will come to blend in with Gray, Jack and Jan and how any of them will make it out unharmed. I have my own theories on how this is going to work and I can’t wait to move onto the next book to see how it all unravels.
I would highly recommend Ash but I would also recommend that if you haven’t read the previous books in this series that you start at the beginning. Although this features new characters you definitely need the background to prepare you for the future.
I started reading Ash with a small amount of trepidation. This is book 4.5 in the Don’t… series but doesn’t feature our three main stalwart characters that have already been through so much and who were left in a very difficult place at the end of Backlash. My worry was for nothing though as Ash and Raif are strong characters on their own and as always this authors writing consumed me from the first page and I was intrigued as to how these two dark and broken men would fit into the overall story arc.
Ash is the character who I came out of this loving – he is dark, sadistic, loving and broken. His personality is splintered into many parts and the past is always pushing the present as he loves and plays hard. His home life sets him up as the man he is today but an unexpected meeting with another dark man who moves within the night challenges who he is, how he lives and who he could eventually be.
Raif is equally dark and has his own demons bearing down on him but he also has a sense of what is right and he challenges and scares Ash at every turn. Their relationship from the start feels intimate on the page even though the way they meet and get to know each other is by no means normal, safe or even sane.
These two men are brought together by murder and madness and as always with Jack L Pyke the gruesome details and the horror of the story are not shied away from. There is serial murderer to be caught and stopped and not everyone in the story makes it to the end. Then there is the big question of how this book and these new characters will come to blend in with Gray, Jack and Jan and how any of them will make it out unharmed. I have my own theories on how this is going to work and I can’t wait to move onto the next book to see how it all unravels.
I would highly recommend Ash but I would also recommend that if you haven’t read the previous books in this series that you start at the beginning. Although this features new characters you definitely need the background to prepare you for the future.
April 2, 2020
Ash Is prequel to Psychopaths and Sinners. It began a lot like the first story of Don’t with a set of different characters at work. We met Ash, Johnnie and a few others and a dark figure that seems to hide in Ash’s shadows. Ash is not an angel lie our guys from the previous books and there is a hint of a secret. There is a couple murder’s in the book and then the story kinda suddenly ends.
I was a bit surprised that I didn’t get any more of Gray, Jack and Jan but I think we do in the actual next book. This was just a set up of new characters. I am happy to get another book in this dark world.
I was a bit surprised that I didn’t get any more of Gray, Jack and Jan but I think we do in the actual next book. This was just a set up of new characters. I am happy to get another book in this dark world.
October 16, 2019
Ouch
This is a short detour from Jack, Jan, and Gray, but I have faith it will make book 5 richer for it.
It hurts, and continues along Jack L. Pyke’s signature dark head f*
Ash as a character is intriguing, and fits right into the Don’t... world. I want him to meet Martin.
This is a short detour from Jack, Jan, and Gray, but I have faith it will make book 5 richer for it.
It hurts, and continues along Jack L. Pyke’s signature dark head f*
Ash as a character is intriguing, and fits right into the Don’t... world. I want him to meet Martin.
my-works
May 18, 20192019 re-edited version.
March 26, 2020
I read this in such a short time. I couldn’t stop reading it. I did felt a bit underwhelmed by some characters I wanted to show up a little more but overall it was a very interesting book. It kind of feel like a standalone, if not for some references and connections to the rest of the series.
The plot was good and the characters were so interesting. I was fascinated by Ash and trying to guess some mysteries about him. I can’t wait to see how he will get introduce to the rest of the series. I’m a bit scared about that.
I, again, alternate between reading and listening to the audiobook. The narration, as good as it has being the whole series. There is something about the narrator voice that makes me unable to stop listening. He might be the only to blame if I get late to works, since I drive slower to listen to the book a little longer. Such a good narration and such a good book.
The plot was good and the characters were so interesting. I was fascinated by Ash and trying to guess some mysteries about him. I can’t wait to see how he will get introduce to the rest of the series. I’m a bit scared about that.
I, again, alternate between reading and listening to the audiobook. The narration, as good as it has being the whole series. There is something about the narrator voice that makes me unable to stop listening. He might be the only to blame if I get late to works, since I drive slower to listen to the book a little longer. Such a good narration and such a good book.
August 19, 2019
I loved the moments in the dark between Ash and Raif. Phew. So much emotion. Overall this one was a little slow but I have a feeling is more a setup for more to come. Looking forward to more from these two and to find out WTF happened with Johnny
September 4, 2020
Brilliant series and incredible narration! I can’t recommend it more highly!
February 2, 2025
Oooh yes. Good to meet some new characters in the world. Looking forward to seeing what’s next for Raif and Ash!
May 28, 2018
You read one book of Jack’s and you will never stop.
This Don’t series is magnificently dark and so so brilliant..
Meeting Ash is an eye opener especially the games he plays with Chase with Johnnie not playing.
In comes Raif and what happens is unbelievable..
Again fell into the pages ....
This Don’t series is magnificently dark and so so brilliant..
Meeting Ash is an eye opener especially the games he plays with Chase with Johnnie not playing.
In comes Raif and what happens is unbelievable..
Again fell into the pages ....
May 27, 2018
Review To Follow x
April 12, 2018
Can't wait to read "Don't..." 5.
Lots of mystery and no answers in this prequel.
Lots of mystery and no answers in this prequel.
December 21, 2019
Fluttermouses, Butterflies and Wraiths (an audio review)
Being a faithful fan of the Don’t series, I nabbed this one as soon as it came out. I quickly realized these were new characters and I wouldn’t be seeing Jack, Jan, and Gray. Okay, I’m easily able to adapt. Something new. Great. As long as I got a mindf-k, I knew I’d be happy.
I was not disappointed.
Ash is a great character. He’s not got his stuff together. He’s barely able to hold onto his auto parts job (mostly thanks to his supervisor and close mate Johnny). He’s got a f-k buddy with Chase, another mate. He’s living with his father and that’s a whole other level of dysfunction.
He gets in trouble at work and is punished by being assigned to housesit for his boss. Now, I knew he wasn’t going to sit quietly for the weekend and behave – that would be completely out of character. Did I envision the amount of trouble he could get in during a few scant hours on a Saturday night? Nope. Was I on the edge of my seat the whole time? Yep.
Being young and impressionable, Ash is an interesting character. Cynical at times? For sure. Open to new experiences? Absolutely. He’s planning a backpacking trip with Johnny and Chase. An opportunity to get away from his hum-drum life.
On his adventures the night of housesitting, he meets an enigmatic older stranger. A man who never shares much about himself. Ash has no reason to trust the man and yet he does. There’s no logical reason for him to be attracted to Raif, and yet he is. There’s no rational reason for him to keep unlocking his door at night, and yet he does.
When tragedy strikes, my heart broke. I didn’t see it coming and was shocked. Does it set up the next book? Brilliantly. There is no happy ending in this book, but there is a promise of more. More of Ash and more of Raif. More of the mystery. More mindf-ks.
I can’t wait.
Dan Calley is the narrator for this series and he’s a brilliant choice. His deep and resonant voice works for these men who range from working class to white collar. There’s a wide range and Calley handles all of them really well. Here’s hoping the wait isn’t too long for the next book in the series.
Being a faithful fan of the Don’t series, I nabbed this one as soon as it came out. I quickly realized these were new characters and I wouldn’t be seeing Jack, Jan, and Gray. Okay, I’m easily able to adapt. Something new. Great. As long as I got a mindf-k, I knew I’d be happy.
I was not disappointed.
Ash is a great character. He’s not got his stuff together. He’s barely able to hold onto his auto parts job (mostly thanks to his supervisor and close mate Johnny). He’s got a f-k buddy with Chase, another mate. He’s living with his father and that’s a whole other level of dysfunction.
He gets in trouble at work and is punished by being assigned to housesit for his boss. Now, I knew he wasn’t going to sit quietly for the weekend and behave – that would be completely out of character. Did I envision the amount of trouble he could get in during a few scant hours on a Saturday night? Nope. Was I on the edge of my seat the whole time? Yep.
Being young and impressionable, Ash is an interesting character. Cynical at times? For sure. Open to new experiences? Absolutely. He’s planning a backpacking trip with Johnny and Chase. An opportunity to get away from his hum-drum life.
On his adventures the night of housesitting, he meets an enigmatic older stranger. A man who never shares much about himself. Ash has no reason to trust the man and yet he does. There’s no logical reason for him to be attracted to Raif, and yet he is. There’s no rational reason for him to keep unlocking his door at night, and yet he does.
When tragedy strikes, my heart broke. I didn’t see it coming and was shocked. Does it set up the next book? Brilliantly. There is no happy ending in this book, but there is a promise of more. More of Ash and more of Raif. More of the mystery. More mindf-ks.
I can’t wait.
Dan Calley is the narrator for this series and he’s a brilliant choice. His deep and resonant voice works for these men who range from working class to white collar. There’s a wide range and Calley handles all of them really well. Here’s hoping the wait isn’t too long for the next book in the series.
July 31, 2019
When it comes to Jack's world you really have to pay attention to each detail, which is what makes the books so compelling. Because it always comes back, every little thread stretched out connects at some point.
And it's the same with Ash, his world unravels for us slowly, showing his every day life, his friends and family, we get comfortable but know something is lurking, it's always something lurking in Jack's world.
With Ash meeting Raife, things start to connect, mentions of names that is familiar and will ultimately pull our triad in to the path we have started walking.
I did not start reading this book, expecting to be a blubbering mess at the end of it, but that's what happened.
She have a way of writing that captures you in with her characters and ache for them in such a way that it lingers well after the last line.
The only reassurance I have is that I can continue over to the next book immediately.
And it's the same with Ash, his world unravels for us slowly, showing his every day life, his friends and family, we get comfortable but know something is lurking, it's always something lurking in Jack's world.
With Ash meeting Raife, things start to connect, mentions of names that is familiar and will ultimately pull our triad in to the path we have started walking.
I did not start reading this book, expecting to be a blubbering mess at the end of it, but that's what happened.
She have a way of writing that captures you in with her characters and ache for them in such a way that it lingers well after the last line.
The only reassurance I have is that I can continue over to the next book immediately.
Read
August 24, 2020A side read to don't...
Even though it states its part of the Don't series, ASH could very well be its own standalone. Albeit with a not so happy end and lots of loose ends.
This book lays down a new mystery, threat, thrill for our resident Don't men. (the amazing trio) where Gray probably has alot more role. And we'll just have to see what's in store for Jack/Martin and Jan.
This was a new touch in exploring dynamics between characters. Ash and Chase and then Ash and Raif. A satisfying build up. Still alot of mystery revolves and that just compels you to pick up the next book.
Really liked Ash, Raif and chase. And Johnny too. Even though I didn't feel like reading this one without our Triad but it's important in knowing these characters, that will no doubt be involved heavily in the next book.
There's no skipping this one for obvious reasons but I definitely enjoyed Ash and Chase's shenanigans. Which was a bonus!
Even though it states its part of the Don't series, ASH could very well be its own standalone. Albeit with a not so happy end and lots of loose ends.
This book lays down a new mystery, threat, thrill for our resident Don't men. (the amazing trio) where Gray probably has alot more role. And we'll just have to see what's in store for Jack/Martin and Jan.
This was a new touch in exploring dynamics between characters. Ash and Chase and then Ash and Raif. A satisfying build up. Still alot of mystery revolves and that just compels you to pick up the next book.
Really liked Ash, Raif and chase. And Johnny too. Even though I didn't feel like reading this one without our Triad but it's important in knowing these characters, that will no doubt be involved heavily in the next book.
There's no skipping this one for obvious reasons but I definitely enjoyed Ash and Chase's shenanigans. Which was a bonus!
September 13, 2025
I had promised myself to not start reading this one until my holiday started for fear of the obsession taking hold. I did not succeed, and started reading, and I love this as much as the rest, even as an interlude kind of story. Ash is a bit of an asshole, and does bad things, but hey, what character in this world hasn't? He's a lovable asshole and I want to hug him and shield him from the world (but only after he has been hurt a bit. Just a bit. The angst is just too sweet). Raif is also a darling -- a curious creature of night, but no less lovable -- and aahhh, no regrets. My heart is covered in bandaids, but it's fine. It's fiiiiiiine. I'm FIIIIIIINE.
April 20, 2018
Different to Jack's other books in the Don't series. However, this is a prequel so the dark and dirty might still be coming. Lots of my questions are left unanswered but the characters are set up very well for what I am sure is still to come. I feel for Ash and Raif...they lead such a lonely life looking from the outside in. I would love to just hold them and smother them in warmth. Love the way Raif builds Ash's trust in him and how he assumes the role of protector not just of Ash but others as well. Can't wait for the next book
July 17, 2024
This one threw me off for many reasons:
- it felt like 2 books trying tl blend into one.
- very similar formula fpr the new couple: trauma + ptsd + love therapy = romance
- i was not ready to care for other characters so soon. My mind was always asking who these new characters were and why am I forced to see their story? I didnt get it so I skinmed threw those and read the ones I wanted instead...
- when are we going back to clun activity 😭 I am d/s scene starved
- it felt like 2 books trying tl blend into one.
- very similar formula fpr the new couple: trauma + ptsd + love therapy = romance
- i was not ready to care for other characters so soon. My mind was always asking who these new characters were and why am I forced to see their story? I didnt get it so I skinmed threw those and read the ones I wanted instead...
- when are we going back to clun activity 😭 I am d/s scene starved
September 10, 2018
Have been waiting so long for this! Excellent work. Jack's writing is strong, pulling the reader in and making that emotional connection to the characters. No spoilers, but ending chapter made me feel as if I were right there, witnessing everything that was happening.
And a perfect lead in to Psychopaths And Sinners!
And a perfect lead in to Psychopaths And Sinners!
May 4, 2018
What I absolutely, totally and utterly love about this authors books is that you never know what's going to happen! You may think you do but......There's ALWAYS a but, you don't!
This is no exception either....This truly was a fantastic read that draws you in and, like a moth to a flame, you just know you're going to get hurt.....
Totally and utterly LOVED IT!!
This is no exception either....This truly was a fantastic read that draws you in and, like a moth to a flame, you just know you're going to get hurt.....
Totally and utterly LOVED IT!!
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